Culture

Ghana’s Afua Asantewaa sets world record for longest singing marathon

Published

4 months ago

December 29, 2023

Ghana’s Afua Asantewaa Aduonum, on December 29, successfully ended her attempt at setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest singing marathon by an individual, after she exceeded the previous record set by India’s Sunil Waghmare.

The unheralded singer, who began her musical marathon dubbed, “afuaasantewaasingathon” on December 24, successfully sang for five days, incorporating various positions such as standing, lying down, sitting, and squatting into her act, accumulating a total of 126 hours of continuous singing.

Afua’s achievement thus eclipses the official record of 105 hours held by Waghmare, a renowned Indian singer.

While awaiting a confirmation of her record-breaking feat by GWR, Afua unofficially sang for 126 hours and 52 minutes, surpassing Waghmare’s mark by an additional 21 hours.

While Waghmare, who achieved fame in 2012 as the GWR holder for the longest singing marathon, started his musical journey at 14 and is a professional musician, Afua has always claimed that she is not a professional singer but only has a passion for music.

In the five days she was in the Akwaaba Village trying to set the record, thousands of her countrymen turned out to cheer her and rally support for her, including Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, A-list celebrities and top politicians.

After paying her a solidarity visit, Bawumia wrote in a social media post:

“Wishing Afua Asantewaa Aduonum all the best as she takes on the challenge of breaking the singathon record set by Indian singer Sunil Waghmare.

“Your passion and talent shine brightly, and I am confident you’ll definitely make history. Keep shining your heart out. We are with you.”

Ghanaian celebrities, who visited Afua include Nana Ama McBrown, Sista Afia, Cina Soul, Clemento Suarez, Lawyer Nti, and OB Amponsah, who all stormed the Akwaaba village to offer her their support.

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Culture

Egypt unveils stamp to mark 100th anniversary of relationship with Brazil

Published

18 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Egyptian Post Board has unveiled a stamp to mark its 100th anniversary of relations with Brazil.

The commemorative stamp which was unveiled on Thursday, is designed with an artistic image that contains some of the famous tourist attractions in both countries.

With a size of 4 cm by 6 cm,
the stamp is insured against counterfeiting, multi-colored, and is value 10 Egyptian pounds.

According to Dr. Sherif Farouk, Chairman of the Egyptian Post Board of Directors, the stamp is equipped with QR Code technology, with the aim of creating a “rich interactive experience for those who possess them, enabling them to acquire the necessary knowledge about this occasion in an innovative and attractive way.”

“Egyptian-Brazilian relations are characterized by mutual trust, and close and constructive cooperative relations,” Dr. Farouk said.

He further explained that during the past years, Egypt and Brazil were able to develop means of cooperation to include many fields, which informed the idea by Egyptian Post to take the initiative of issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Egyptian-Brazilian relations

“The anniversary stamp has the aim of strengthening the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries,” he stated.

Dr. Farouk added that commemorative stamp is an important means of cultural communication between different countries of the world, and document the history of nations throughout the ages.

“Therefore, the Egyptian Post is always keen to issue commemorative stamps on important events and occasions to document and commemorate those events,” he noted.

Culture

Ghanaians celebrate return of Asante Gold artefacts looted by British

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Ghanaians, especially those from the ancient Asante region, have been in joyous mood as they flocked to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the region, to welcome the 32 golden artefacts which were returned to the Kingdom in a loan deal by the United Kingdom after they were looted about 150 years ago.

The agreement to loan back the artefacts to their original owners for an initial period of three years was reached between two British museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and British Museum, and the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a possible of further extending the loan period.

The returned precious items have been on display at palace museum since they were returned and have been a source of joy for the people as they troop in daily to see and have a feel of their ancient history.

The return of the artefacts also coincides with the silver jubilee celebration of the Asantehene.

Some of the items, described by as “Ghana’s crown jewels” were looted during the Anglo-Ashanti wars of the 19th Century, including the famous Sargrenti War of 1874.

Among the returned artefacts are the sword of state, gold peace pipe and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.

Other items like the gold harp (Sankuo) which were given to a British diplomat in 1817.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who spoke on the significance of the returned items, said the dignity of the Kingdom has been restored.

“This is a day for Asante. A day for the Black African continent. The spirit we share is back.

“We acknowledge the very painful history surrounding the acquisition of these objects.

“These treasures have borne witness to triumph and trials of the great kingdom and their return to Kumasi is testament to the power of cultural exchange and reconciliation,” the King added.